3D artist invoice template
A worked example for 3D artists in the creative and media category, with 2026 prices and the VAT rules that apply.
A 3D artist invoice should show a unique invoice number, your name and address, the client's details, the date, each item of work with its price, and the total due. 3D artists typically allow 30 days to pay and take a 40% deposit. VAT at 20% is added only if you are VAT registered.
Example 3D artist invoice
Dated 1 October 2026 with 30 day terms and a 40% deposit already received. Names and prices are fictional.
Invoice
INV-0042
From
N. Campbell
3D artist
7 Station Road
Leeds
LS6 2AB
Bill to
Hilltop Farm Shop
Hilltop Lane
Ludlow
SY8 2EJ
- Invoice date
- 1 October 2026
- Due date
- 31 October 2026
- Terms
- 30 days
- Reference
- 3D artist work, October 2026
| Description | Qty | Unit price | VAT | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural visualisation, exterior, 3 views, 4K renders | 3 views | £650.00 | 20% | £1,950.00 |
| Product render, 5 colourways, white background | 5 renders | £140.00 | 20% | £700.00 |
| Render farm costs (recharged) | 1 item | £85.00 | 20% | £85.00 |
| Additional revision after client sign-off, 3 hours | 3 hours | £60.00 | 20% | £180.00 |
- Subtotal
- £2,915.00
- VAT at 20%
- £583.00
- Total
- £3,498.00
- Less deposit received (40%)
- -£1,399.20
- Balance due
- £2,098.80
Typical rates for 3D artists
Guide figures for 2026. Rates vary by region and experience; the VAT figures come from the 2026-27 tax year data.
| Item | Typical figure |
|---|---|
| Typical hourly rate | £40 to £90 |
| Typical day rate | £320 to £650 |
| Payment terms | 30 days |
| Deposit | 40% up front |
| VAT flat rate sector | Any other activity not listed elsewhere (12%) |
| VAT registration threshold | £90,000 taxable turnover in 12 months |
How do 3D artists usually invoice?
3D artists invoice per view or per model, with architectural visualisation priced per rendered view and product work per model or per colourway, taking 40% on commission and the balance on delivery of final renders. Revisions after sign-off are charged by the hour. Studios booking freelancers pay a day rate on 30 day terms.
3D artists in this example give the customer 30 days to pay, after a 40% deposit taken before the work starts. Hourly rates run from £40 to £90. A full day is typically £320 to £650.
What should a 3D artist put on an invoice?
Beyond the legal basics, 3D artists should:
- Price per view or per model and state the resolution and format delivered.
- Define the revision stages (clay render, draft, final) and what changes are included at each.
- Recharge render farm or asset licence costs at cost.
- Deliver watermarked drafts and release final files on payment, and say so on the invoice.
Every UK invoice, whatever the trade, must also show:
- a unique, sequential invoice number
- your business name and address (and company number if you trade as a limited company)
- the client’s name and address
- the invoice date and, for VAT invoices, the date of supply if different
- a clear description of each item of work or goods
- the amount due and when it must be paid
- your VAT number, the VAT rate per line and the VAT total, if you are VAT registered
Do 3D artists charge VAT?
You only charge VAT once registered, which is compulsory when taxable turnover passes £90,000 in any rolling 12 months. Below that, show no VAT line and no VAT number. Once registered, this work is standard rated at 20%, including work for clients outside the UK in some cases, so check the place of supply rules for overseas clients.
On the Flat Rate Scheme the sector for 3D artists is usually “Any other activity not listed elsewhere” at 12% of VAT-inclusive turnover, with a 1% discount in the first year of registration. If you spend little on goods you may be a limited cost trader and have to use 16.5% instead. The scheme suits businesses with few VAT-able costs; check it against the standard method with the VAT calculator before joining.
Source: GOV.UK: Invoicing and taking payment from customers; GOV.UK: VAT Flat Rate Scheme, how much you pay. Last updated .
Frequently asked questions
- How much do 3D artists charge per render?
- Architectural exterior views are £400 to £1,200 each in 2026 depending on detail, interiors slightly less, and product renders £80 to £300 per image. Animated fly-throughs are priced per second. Day rates for studio work are £320 to £650.
- Should a 3D artist take a deposit?
- Yes, 30% to 50% on commission for new clients, since modelling time is front loaded. Invoice the balance on delivery of final renders and keep final files until it clears. Regular studio clients work on day rates without deposits.
- Do 3D artists charge VAT?
- Only once registered, above £90,000 turnover. Registered artists charge 20% to UK clients, and business clients abroad are generally outside the scope of UK VAT. Visualisation is standard rated regardless of the building it depicts.
More creative and media templates
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Cite this page: “3D artist invoice template (free UK example)”, SoleKit, https://solekit.co.uk/invoice-template/3d-artist